Sefton Chamber of Commerce chief executive Steve Dickson said: “I think the night was actually very difficult with the move from the Floral Hall to Aintree but the facilities and audience were fantastic.

“The chair of the judges said the standard of applications was higher than ever and I think it showed – it’s raised the bar.

“There are so many good businesses across the borough but many of them are hidden gems, people don’t know about them but this process flushes them out.

“People love the event, it’s very special and it’s tough to get tickets now - it’s about the best gig in the area.”

The Band of the King’s Division and Janina Sweetenham, who previously sang for Prince Charles, brought the evening to a climax performing patriotic numbers such as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.